Sojaland Extends Production Capacity

06/09/06 Three years after being acquired by WILD of Heidelberg, Germany, the "Sojaland" soy processing company in Schwerin, Germany is significantly expanding the production capacity and using new technology to improve the quality of its products for industry and trade.

International demand for soy products has shown a clear increase over the last few years. During this time, the soy boom that originated in the health food sector has expanded to include large areas of the food and beverage industry. As a "true functional" food by having a scientifically proven positive effect on health, soy is a particularly popular ingredient.

For example, soy drinks have a growth of 26.5 percent in Germany from January to April 2006 compared with the same period in the previous year (source: IRI Research Institute).

The dairy industry has also recently shown an increased interest in supplementing its range with soy products. More and more dairies are taking the opportunity to retain or attract customers who are vegetarians or have lactose or lactoprotein allergies by diversifying into soy.

In order to meet the increased demand for soy products, Sojaland recently expanded production and doubled its capacity. A new process has not only enabled production times to be reduced, but has also greatly improved product taste. Consumers, particularly in the Western world, will accept soy products as long as there is a convincing flavor and no beany aftertaste.